Photo paper tray empty ?

[TonyVS]

My printer has stopped accepting commands from my iPad. It says the photo paper is empty but there is no photo paper tray.

[Max3Aj]

@TonyVS, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
It sounds like your HP printer is showing a confusing message about the photo paper tray being empty, even though your model doesn’t have a separate photo tray. Here's how to troubleshoot it:

Check the Paper Settings on Your iPad:

• When printing from an iPad, the app you're using (like Photos or Safari) might default to printing on photo paper.
• Try selecting a different paper type or size in the print options before sending the job.

Use the HP Smart App:

• Open the HP Smart app on your iPad.
• Go to Print Settings and make sure the paper source is set to Main Tray and not Photo Tray.
• Also, ensure the paper size is set to Letter or A4, not 4x6 or 5x7 photo paper.

Printer Model Check:

• Some HP printers (like ENVY or PhotoSmart models) have a virtual photo tray setting even if there’s no physical tray.
• If you let me know your printer model number, I can give you more specific steps.

Restart Devices:

• Restart both your printer and iPad.
• Reconnect to the printer via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Update Firmware and App:

• Make sure your printer’s firmware is up to date.
• Also, update the HP Smart app from the App Store.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[TonyVS]

The model printer is HP ENVY Photo 6234.

[Max3Aj]

Thank you for your response, @TonyVS

The HP ENVY Photo 6234 does indeed have a main input tray that handles both plain and photo paper, but it can sometimes misinterpret print jobs as requiring a separate photo tray.

Here’s how to resolve the “Photo paper tray empty” error for your model:

Check Print Settings on iPad

• When printing from your iPad:
  • Tap Share > Print.
  • Tap Options (if available).
  • Make sure Paper Size is set to A4 or Letter, not 4x6 or 5x7.
  • Avoid selecting Photo as the media type unless you're using photo paper.

Use HP Smart App to Print

• Open the HP Smart app on your iPad.
• Tap Print Photos or Print Documents.
• Before printing, tap the gear icon or Settings.
• Set:
  • Paper Size: A4 or Letter
  • Paper Type: Plain Paper
  • Paper Source: Main Tray

Printer Control Panel Settings

• On the printer’s touchscreen:
  • Go to Settings > Paper Setup.
  • Make sure the Main Tray is set to the correct paper size and type.
  • If it shows “Photo Tray,” change it to “Main Tray.”

Update Firmware

• On the printer:
  • Go to Settings > Printer Maintenance > Update the Printer.
  • Install any available updates.

Power Cycle

• Turn off the printer.
• Unplug it for 60 seconds.
• Plug it back in and turn it on.

I hope this helps!

If my response resolves your issue, please click “Accepted Solution” to help others find the answer. Also, don’t forget to click the “Yes” button to say thanks!

Take care and have a great day.

Max3Aj

HP Support